Tool for inserting and removing temporary fasteners

Abstract

A tool for insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners that enables by a plurality of retractable elements, an automatic engagement of the tool on the head of the temporary fastener, without the need for any rotation of the tool with regard to the head, and by lockable grasping units, operated internally locking elements, a high retention and extraction force is achieved, favouring the elimination of the risk of the clamp detaching itself from the tool, enabling control of the entire insertion and extraction process of temporary fasteners. Rapid, effective automation of the use and procedure of the temporary fasteners can be achieved, improving economic profitability and the reliability of their use.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A tool for the insertion, installation and extraction of temporary fasteners of the type used in the aeronautical industry for the temporary joining of components during machining, drilling or shaving removal processing, associated with an external actuator module, characterized in that the nozzle ( 1 ) for the temporary fastener ( 2 ) has a cylindrical opening and comprises:
 one or more retractable elements ( 3 ), inserted into an axially disposed housing ( 12 ) and distributed peripherally on the inside of the nozzle ( 1 ), and partially embedded in the inside wall of the nozzle ( 1 ), 
 one or more gripping units ( 4 ), also distributed peripherally on the inside of the nozzle, in a position closer to the outside and coinciding with a channel ( 14 ) of the temporary fastener ( 2 ) once inserted into the nozzle ( 1 ), associated with axially sliding locking elements ( 5 ) related to an internally actuated cylinder ( 6 ), 
 a key ( 7 ) located in the central part of the tool, the head ( 8 ) thereof featuring a machined section suited to engage with that required for the movement of the inner part ( 11 ) of the temporary fastener ( 2 ), and featuring axial and rotational movement, 
 one or more ejectors ( 9 ) disposed parallel to and adjacent to the key ( 7 ) endowed with axial movement. 
 
     
     
       2. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized by an extended position of the retractable elements ( 3 ) where each retractable element ( 3 ), independently of the others, is maintained in its extended position closest to the opening of the nozzle ( 1 ) by the thrust of a spring ( 13 ) inserted in the housing ( 12 ). 
     
     
       3. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that a retracted position of the retractable elements ( 3 ) where, independently of the others, the retractable element ( 3 ) which, due to its coincident position, is pushed by the head of the temporary fastener ( 2 ) when inserted into the nozzle ( 1 ), and moves axially towards the inside of the housing ( 12 ), pressing the spring ( 13 ). 
     
     
       4. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the retractable elements ( 3 ) are distributed peripherally inside the nozzle ( 1 ) in such a way that, once the head of the temporary fastener ( 2 ) is inserted into the nozzle ( 1 ), and depending on its position, some or all of the retractable elements ( 3 ) remain in their extended position, laterally enveloping the head of the temporary fastener ( 2 ). 
     
     
       5. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the retractable elements ( 3 ) are cylindrical. 
     
     
       6. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that there are 12 retractable elements ( 3 ). 
     
     
       7. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized by a free position of the gripping units ( 4 ) where the cylinder ( 6 ) and its locking elements ( 5 ) are slid into the tool, in such a way that the bevelled end ( 15 ) of the locking elements ( 5 ) remains in a position away from the gripping units ( 4 ), the latter remaining free to move within their housing ( 16 ). 
     
     
       8. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized by a locked position of the gripping units ( 4 ) where the cylinder ( 6 ) and its locking elements ( 5 ) are slid towards the nozzle ( 1 ) of the tool, in such a way that the bevelled end ( 15 ) of the locking elements ( 5 ) presses the gripping units ( 4 ), engaging them against the opening of their housing ( 16 ) towards the inside of the nozzle ( 1 ) and the channel of the fastener. 
     
     
       9. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the gripping elements ( 4 ) feature a shape chosen from the group formed by cylindrical and spherical. 
     
     
       10. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that there are 3 gripping elements ( 4 ). 
     
     
       11. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the key ( 7 ) is linked by means of a connector ( 17 ) to an external rotary actuator. 
     
     
       12. The tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners, as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the ejector ( 9 ) is hollow and cylindrical and is coaxially disposed to and adjacent to the key ( 7 ).